David Andrew Cooke

Dave moved to Austin, Texas in 1980 to work at the Lakeway Marina. He continued there for nine years as their service manager. In 1989 he ventured on his own to start his own business, Cooke's Automotive and Body Shop, which will be celebrating 25 successful years in 2014.

Dave's passion for cars started during his childhood. He was a self-taught master mechanic, and he started building and racing cars in Florida during the 1980s. He continued his racing career in Texas, becoming one of the top racecar drivers in the Central Texas area in the 1990s. Following an incident when he continued racing a 100-lap race despite his car being on fire, Dave earned the nickname "Smokin' Dave." To this day, he is still affectionately known by that name.

He will be remembered for his love for his family, his beautiful blue eyes, and his deep hearty laugh. Dave worked hard and played even harder; he loved going fast. During his life he built many custom cars, motorcycles and hot-rods. He was proud of the business he had developed and the relationships he formed with his customers and employees.

Dave is survived by his wife, Rosemary Cooke, sweethearts for 38 years; his children, Natalie Rose and August David; his mother, Betty Rose; his siblings, Jill Carpenter, and George and Rick Cooke. He also leaves behind sister-in-laws Jan Allen and Nickie Rucker, their spouses and many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at one o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the Lake Travis Event Center, 411 RR 620 South, Lakeway, Texas 78734.